Exciting educational experiences await!

Whitaker Center Programs

Are you ready to discover the wonder of Whitaker? Search our programs by age below:

Mini Explorers

Grades Pre-K to K

Tiny Tots

Ages 2 and Under

This “Grown-up and Me” toddler program is a launchpad for first-time science exploration! We sing, read, and explore our way through themed activities designed for interaction between the tots and their grown-ups in our KidsPlace exhibit.

Little Learners

Grades K to 2

This interactive program features lots of fun, hands-on activities for 3, 4, and 5-year-olds alongside their grown-ups. Families experiment, explore, sing, and create around rotating STEAM themes in our KidsPlace exhibit.

Little Learners is now also available one weekend every month!

Junior Labsters

Grades K to 2

In Junior Labsters, young learners and their grown-ups team up to tackle exciting STEAM challenges and unleash their creativity through hands-on art and science activities. Together, they’ll explore the wonders of the world around us— building, experimenting, and imagining side by side.

Scout Sundays

Grades K to 12

We offer Scout Workshops for Daisies, Brownies, Juniors, Cadettes, AND CUBS! There are a variety of workshops, from robotics to painting. Scouts can register with their troop or as individuals.

Jr. Scientists

Grades 3 to 8

Girls in STEAM

Grades 3 to 8

Join us for workshops designed for girls in 3rd – 8th grade who will participate in activities that connect with real-world applications of STEAM through design, programming, coding, engineering, and more. Participants explore all aspects of STEAM – Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math – to uncover their curiosities.

Lab Explorers

Grades 3 to 8

Curiosity meets creativity in this immersive STEAM experience! These two-hour workshops invite students in grades 3–8 to explore Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math through hands-on challenges rooted in the real world. Whether they’re constructing prototypes, analyzing data, or solving problems, students will leave inspired, empowered, and ready to take on the next challenge.

Lego Spike Robotics

Grades 3 to 8

Unlock the world of robotics in our exciting 4-session program designed for kids aged 9-13. Join us for one session or all four! Each session introduces a new topic centered around robotics. Dive into hands-on learning by building and programming with LEGO Spike, where creativity meets technology.

Tech Explorers

Grades 3 to 8

Technology is everywhere—and it’s changing the way we learn, create, and connect. In these 2-hour workshops, students will explore a new aspect of technology in each session. Every topic will build problem-solving skills, digital literacy, and creative confidence. Each workshop is hands-on and designed to spark curiosity in young tech learners.

Girls Who Code

Grades 6 to 12

Join a sisterhood of STEM with Girls Who Code, a place to make new friends and learn about computer science. Computer science is an expansive field that includes a way of thinking, planning, and problem-solving in addition to programming. This approach, called computational thinking, is the foundation of the Girls Who Code curriculum. Club students don’t just learn how to code, but also cultivate strengths that help them succeed in whatever they pursue, including bravery, activism, curiosity, resilience, passion, and resourcefulness.

Scout Sundays

Grades K to 12

We offer Scout Workshops for Daisies, Brownies, Juniors, Cadettes, AND CUBS! There are a variety of workshops, from robotics to painting. Scouts can register with their troop or as individuals.

NextGen Innovators

Grades 6 to 12

Girls Who Code

Grades 6 to 12

Join a sisterhood of STEM with Girls Who Code, a place to make new friends and learn about computer science. Computer science is an expansive field that includes a way of thinking, planning, and problem-solving in addition to programming. This approach, called computational thinking, is the foundation of the Girls Who Code curriculum. Club students don’t just learn how to code, but also cultivate strengths that help them succeed in whatever they pursue, including bravery, activism, curiosity, resilience, passion, and resourcefulness.

Scout Sundays

Grades K to 12

We offer Scout Workshops for Daisies, Brownies, Juniors, Cadettes, AND CUBS! There are a variety of workshops, from robotics to painting. Scouts can register with their troop or as individuals.

But Wait, There's More...

Other Ways to Enjoy Whitaker!

Sensory Saturdays

All Ages

Exhibit lights and sound effects are adjusted, and additional hands-on activities are included to foster a safe, welcoming, and most importantly – FUN – environment for all visitors. Quiet spaces are available during Sensory Saturday events for visitors needing a break. Additionally, sensory borrow backpacks will be available at our Market Street Box Office on a first come, first served basis.

Birthday Parties

Ages 4 to 12 | Innovation Zone- 8+

Make your child’s birthday one to remember with Whitaker Center’s exciting STEAM-focused birthday packages! Our packages range from fun activities themed around science, technology, engineering, art, and math for kids 4 to 12 years old. From robotics and coding to arts and crafts, these interactive activities are designed to teach, inspire, and put a smile on your child’s face. Plus, our packages include all the supplies, instructions, and equipment you need, so all you have to do is invite the guests and enjoy the show. With Whitaker Center, every party is guaranteed to be a success!

Field Trips

Grades K to 6

Whether your group plans to explore interactive STEAM-based exhibits housed within our multi-level UPMC Science Center, experience an awe-inspiring documentary in our four-story Select Medical Digital Cinema, or participate in a coding lesson in our PNC Innovation Zone, Whitaker Center guarantees a hands-on day of learning!

Whitaker on Wheels

Grades K to 5

Can’t make it to Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts? Allow Whitaker on Wheels to bring the science experience to you! We have a variety of options to choose from to fit your needs. From Educator-Led learning programs to Drop-In STEAM activities and even Make and Takes, Whitaker on Wheels offers a wide range of science topics accessible to all ages! Bring STEAM Programming directly to you with the Whitaker on Wheels van, powered by UPMC Pinnacle Foundation!

WOW! That’s Science!

All Ages

At Whitaker Center, we think fun and learning go hand-in-hand! When school is out, it is crucial to keep children engaged to prevent children from losing some of the academic skills they’ve learned during the school year. Check out this page for engaging activities, like at-home science experiments, that can foster curiosity and reinforce scientific principles in a fun and hands-on way.

Summer Camps

Grades Pre K to 12

Calling all young explorers, budding scientists, and creative minds! Are you ready for an epic summer adventure filled with discovery, hands-on learning, and endless fun? Then prepare to blast off with Whitaker Center’s out-of-this-world Summer Camps!

Want a sneak peek? Take a look at all the fun we have!

More To Do

May 27, 2025

Dance Revelation Presents “Identity”

Join us for an unforgettable evening as Dance Revelation presents Identity. Our talented Company Performers will take you on an inspiring journey through three powerful themes: "Journey," "Acknowledgement," and "The Revelation." Don't miss this captivating performance — an experience you won’t want to miss!

INFO & TICKETS

Showing Through: Dec 31, 2025

Ireland

Journey to a magical land of stunning natural wonders, ancient clifftop marvels, and a rich, cultural heritage in the new film Ireland for IMAX® and giant screen theatres.

INFO & TICKETS

Apr 13, 2025

An Open Book: An Evening with Justin Furstenfeld of Blue October

Experience an intimate and unforgettable evening with Justin Furstenfeld, the dynamic frontman of Blue October, as he brings his captivating solo show, An Open Book, to the Whitaker Center. Through heartfelt stories, raw emotions, and acoustic renditions of Blue October's greatest hits, Justin invites you on a journey through his life and artistry. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to connect with the music and the man behind it in a way like never before.

INFO & TICKETS

Jun 27, 2025

Killer Queen

Lead singer Patrick Myers said “It's been an amazing journey. That first show changed my life. We thought our band would last maybe a summer at the most but it's a very addictive thing performing these songs. The concerts grew and grew and we've ended up playing and selling out the same arenas that Queen played at their peak. It's been quite a surreal ride. Becoming regular performers Red Rocks Arena in America is another highlight . The Beatles, U2, Springsteen, Dylan all played on that stage. It's really got it's own kind of magic going on there”

May 25, 2025

Hershey School of Dance & Arts: Celebrate 2025

Hershey School of Dance & Arts proudly presents “Celebrate!” 2025 Join us for our annual recital as we celebrate a year of growth and learning, our wonderful students and community, and dance and the arts! At HSDA, we believe that there is always something to celebrate!